JP2021121778A - Ice maker - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow water supply system devices such as components of water level sensors and/or water pumps to be operatively installed in an ice maker without using separate fasteners or using only fasteners that attach at locations near a point of access.SOLUTION: An ice maker includes a water supply system that delivers water from a water reservoir to an ice formation device. A mount can hold one or both of a fitting of a water level sensor and a water pump in relation to the water reservoir. For example, the mount can include integral features that lock with the fitting to mount the fitting on the ice maker at a sensing position. The mount can include integral features that form a bayonet connection with a portion of the pump. A vertical support wall can include integrated features for supporting the mount in relation to the water reservoir.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to an ice machine that includes a water level sensor and a mount for at least one of the water pumps.

Ice makers that make cube-shaped, flake-shaped, and nugget-shaped (ie, compressed flakes) ice are well known and widely used. Such ice machines are widely accepted and are particularly preferred for commercial facilities such as restaurants, bars, hotels, medical facilities, and various beverage retailers that continually require fresh ice. Ice makers typically include a freezing system that cools the ice forming device and a water supply system that sends water to the ice forming device that turns the water into ice. The water supply system uses various components to control how water is delivered to the ice forming apparatus. A water pump is commonly used to pump water from the reservoir through a passage that communicates with the ice forming device. A water level sensor that detects the amount of water in the reservoir can be used as a control input to control other aspects of the pump and / or ice maker.

In one aspect, the ice maker for forming ice includes a refrigeration system that includes an ice forming device and a water supply system for supplying water to the ice forming device. The water supply system includes a water reservoir configured to hold the water formed on the ice. The passage provides fluid communication between the water reservoir and the ice forming device. The water level sensor for detecting the amount of water in the reservoir is the fitting and the ice maker that fits the water level sensor at the detection position where the fitting connects the water level sensor to the reservoir to detect the amount of water in the reservoir. Includes a sensor mount for mounting on. The sensor mount is configured to lock into the fitting in order to detachably attach the fitting to the detection position.

In another aspect, the ice maker for forming ice includes a refrigeration system that includes an ice forming device and a water supply system for supplying water to the ice forming device. The water supply system includes a water reservoir configured to hold the water formed on the ice. The passage provides fluid communication between the water reservoir and the ice forming device. The water pump is configured to pump water from the water reservoir through the passage to the ice forming device. The pump mount attaches a water pump to the ice machine to pump water from the water reservoir through the passage. The water pump is configured to be connected to the pump mount by a bayonet connection.

In another aspect, the ice maker for forming ice includes a refrigeration system that includes an ice forming device and a water supply system for supplying water to the ice forming device. The water supply system includes a water reservoir configured to hold the water formed on the ice. The passage provides fluid communication between the water reservoir and the ice forming device. The water pump is configured to send water from the water reservoir through the passage to the ice forming device. The water level sensor detects the amount of water in the water reservoir. The water reservoir includes a bottom and a top extending across at least a portion of the bottom. The top of the water reservoir is a sensor mount for attaching at least part of the water level sensor to the water reservoir to detect the amount of water in the water reservoir, and a water pump for pumping water from the water reservoir through a passage. It defines a pump mount for attaching at least part of it to the water reservoir.

In yet another embodiment, the ice maker for forming ice includes a refrigeration system that includes an ice forming device. The water supply system for supplying water to the ice forming apparatus includes a water reservoir configured to hold the water formed on the ice. The passage provides fluid communication between the water reservoir and the ice forming device. The water pump is configured to pump water from the water reservoir through the passage to the ice forming device. The water level sensor detects the amount of water in the reservoir. The mounting plate is connected to at least one of the water level sensor and the water pump. The support includes at least one vertically extending support wall made of a single monolithic material. The vertically extending support wall includes an integrally formed first and second connector. The first connector is configured to mount the mounting plate to the support, the second connector is configured to mount the pump to the support, and (a) the water level sensor connected to the mounting plate is in the reservoir. At least one of which is configured to detect the amount of water and (b) a water pump connected to the mounting plate is configured to pump water from the water reservoir through the passage. , The support positions the mounting plate with respect to the pump.

Some of the other aspects are clear and some are pointed out below.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an ice machine. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ice maker supported on an ice container. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the subassembly of the ice machine. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the subassembly. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of line 5-5 of FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the sump assembly including the sensor mount, and the fitting of the water level sensor is omitted. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the sump assembly including the pump mount, showing a state in which the water pump is removed from the sump assembly. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fitting of the water level sensor. FIG. 9 is a front view of the fitting. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the sump assembly including the sensor mount and fitting, showing the fitting partially inserted into the sensor mount. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view similar to FIG. 10, showing a state in which the entire fitting is inserted into the sensor mount, and the fitting is in the first rotation position where it can be pulled out from the sensor mount. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view similar to FIGS. 10 and 11, showing a state in which the entire fitting is inserted into the sensor mount, and the fitting is in a second rotation position in which it lock-engages with the sensor mount. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of line 13-13 of FIG. FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the sump assembly including the pump mount and the water pump, showing the water pump partially inserted into the pump mount. FIG. 15 is a plan view of a portion of the sump assembly that includes the pump mount and the water pump, with the water pump in a first rotating position that can be pulled out of the pump mount. FIG. 16 is a plan view similar to FIG. 15, in which the water pump is connected to the pump mount by a bayonet connection. FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the sump assembly including the pump mount and the water pump, showing the water pump partially inserted into the pump mount. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the sump assembly connected to the sump assembly support. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the sump assembly support. FIG. 19A is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the sump assembly support. FIG. 20A is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 20. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the sump tank of the sump assembly.

Corresponding codes are used for the corresponding parts throughout the drawing.

Generally, the present disclosure relates to an ice maker that includes a mount for attaching at least one or both of a water level sensor and a water pump to the ice maker. The inventors have recognized that when a water level sensor and a water pump are installed in an ice machine using conventional techniques, it can be difficult to access and remove the device during maintenance or repair. In certain embodiments, according to the mount according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a water level sensor and / or a water pump may be attached so that the device can be easily removed for maintenance or repair. can. As described in more detail below, in certain embodiments, water supply system devices such as water level sensors and / or water pump components can be placed without separate fasteners or near access points. A mount is provided that can be operably attached to the ice machine using only the fasteners attached in.

FIG. 1 shows specific key components in one embodiment of an ice machine 10 having a refrigeration system and a water supply system. The refrigeration system of the ice maker 10 includes a compressor 12, a heat receiving heat exchanger 16, a refrigerant expansion device 18 for lowering the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant, an ice forming device 20, and a hot gas valve. 24 and is included. As shown, it is clear that the exhaust heat exchanger 16 may include a condenser for condensing the compressed refrigerant vapor discharged from the compressor 12. However, in other embodiments, for example, in a refrigeration system that utilizes a carbon dioxide refrigerant whose exhaust heat is trans-critical, the exhaust heat exchanger dissipates heat from the refrigerant without condensing the refrigerant. can do. The ice forming apparatus 20 includes an evaporator 21 and a freezing plate 22 thermally coupled to the evaporator 21. The evaporator 21 is composed of a bellows type tube (not shown), as is known in the art. In certain embodiments, the freezing plate 22 comprises a large number of pockets (usually in the form of grid cells) on its surface through which water flowing over the surface can collect. The hot gas valve (HGV) 24, in one or more embodiments, is warm from the compressor 15 to remove or harvest cube-shaped ice from the freezing plate 22 when the ice reaches the desired thickness. It is used to direct the refrigerant directly to the evaporator 21.

The refrigerant expansion device 18 can be of any suitable type, including capillaries, thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs) or electronic expansion valves. In certain embodiments where the refrigerant expansion device 18 is a thermostatic expansion valve or an electronic expansion valve, the ice machine 10 may also include a temperature sensor 26 located at the outlet of the evaporator 21 to control the refrigerant expansion device 18. good. In another embodiment where the refrigerant expansion device 18 is an electronic expansion valve, the ice maker 10 is located at the outlet of the evaporator 21 to control the refrigerant expansion device 19, as is known in the art. A pressure sensor (not shown) may also be included. In certain embodiments that utilize a gas cooling medium (eg, air) to provide condenser cooling, the condenser fan 15 may be arranged to blow the gas cooling medium over the condenser 14. Some form of refrigerant circulates through these components via the refrigerant lines 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d.

The water supply system of the illustrated ice machine 10 includes a sump assembly 60 that includes a water reservoir or sump 70, a water pump 62, and a water level sensor 90. The water supply system of the ice machine 10 further includes a water supply line (not shown) and a water inlet valve (not shown) for filling the sump 70 with water from a water source (not shown). In one or more embodiments, the water supply system of the ice machine 10 has a drain line (not shown) for draining water from the tank and a drain valve (not shown; eg, purge) located on it. Valves, drain valves) and more. The water supply system 14 further includes a water line 63 and a water distributor 66 (eg, manifolds, pans, tubes, etc.) that generally constitute a passage for fluidly connecting the sump 70 and the freezing plate 22. During the operation of the ice maker 10, the pump 62 pumps water from the sump 70 via the water line 63 from the water distributor 66 onto the freezing plate 22. The distributor 66 distributes the water on the freezing plate 22 so that the water flows over the pockets of the freezing plate and becomes ice. The sump 70 may be placed under the freezing plate 22 to receive the water coming out of the freezing plate so that the water is recirculated by the water pump 62. In one or more embodiments, the water distributor 66 includes any of the water distributors described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0208792, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The ice machine 10 may also include a controller 80. In one or more embodiments, the controller 80 may be located away from the ice maker 20 and the sump 70, or may include one or more onboard processors. The controller 80 may include a processor 82 for controlling the operation of the ice machine 10 including various components of the refrigeration system and the water supply system. The processor 82 of the controller 80 may include a non-transient processor-readable medium that stores a code representing an instruction for causing the processor to perform processing. The processor 82 may be, for example, a commercially available microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a combination of ASICs, which are designed to provide one or more specific functions. , Or designed to implement one or more specific devices or applications. In certain embodiments, the controller 80 may be an analog circuit or a digital circuit, or a combination of a plurality of circuits. The controller 80 may also include one or more memory components (not shown) for storing data in a form searchable by the controller. The controller 80 can store data in one or more memory components and retrieve data from one or more memory components.

In various embodiments, the controller 80 may also include input / output (I / O) components (not shown) for communicating and / or controlling various components of the ice machine 10. In certain embodiments, for example, the controller 80 includes a water reservoir water level sensor 90, a harvest sensor (not shown) for determining that ice has been harvested, a power source (not shown), and an ice level sensor (not shown). And / or from a variety of sensors and / or switches including, but not limited to, pressure converters, temperature sensors, acoustic sensors, etc., eg, one or more instructions, signals, messages, commands, data, and / Alternatively, it may receive input such as arbitrary other information. In various embodiments, eg, based on their inputs, the controller 80 transfers, for example, one or more instructions, signals, messages, commands, data, and / or any other information into such components. By transmitting, it may be possible to control the compressor 12, the condenser fan 15, the refrigerant expansion device 18, the hot gas valve 24, the water inlet valve, the discharge valve, and / or the water pump 62.

With reference to FIG. 2, one or more components of the ice machine 10 may be housed inside a cabinet 29 (broadly speaking, a housing). In the illustrated embodiment, the cabinet 29 is mounted on top of the ice storage assembly 30. Cabinet 29 may be closed by appropriate fixed and removable panels to provide temperature stability and access to compartments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The illustrated cabinet includes a removable pump access panel 29A to expose a pump access opening (not shown) that allows the water pump 62 to be removed from the sump assembly 60 and cabinet 29.

The ice storage container assembly 30 includes an ice storage container 31 having an ice cave (not shown) into which the ice produced by the ice maker 10 falls. The ice is then stored in the cavity 36 until it is removed. The ice storage container 31 further includes a cavity 36 and an opening 38 that provides access to the ice stored therein. The cavity 36, the ice cave (not shown), and the opening 38 are formed by the left wall 33a, the right wall 33b, the front wall 34, the rear wall 35, and the bottom wall (not shown). The walls of the ice storage container 31 include glass fiber insulation and open cell or closed cell foam made of, for example, polystyrene, polyurethane, etc. to delay the melting of the ice stored in the ice storage container 31. It may be thermally insulated with various insulating materials not limited to. The door 40 can be opened to provide access to the cavity 36.

With reference to FIGS. 3-5, the sump assembly 60 includes a mounting mechanism for mounting at least a portion of the water level sensor 90 and the water pump 62 to the sump 60. The sump 70 includes a bottom 70A configured to hold water. The illustrated sump 70 further includes a top 70B extending across at least a portion of the bottom 70A at vertically spaced positions on the bottom wall of the sump. In one or more embodiments, the bottom 70A and top 70B of the sump are separate parts. The bottom 70A of the sump 70 defines a sump tank configured to hold water. Both the top 70B and the bottom 70A define a sump housing with a partially open top that allows water to flow from the freezing plate 22 into the sump tank 70A. As described in more detail below, the upper 70B of the sump 70 is a detection position where the water level sensor operates to detect the amount of water in the reservoir for mounting the fitting 200 of the water level sensor 90 on the sump. The sensor mount 110 is defined. The top 70B of the sump also defines a pump mount 112 for mounting the water pump 62 on the sump 70 to pump water from the sump via the water line 63 and distributor 66. As described in more detail below, the sensor mount 110 and the pump mount 112 each include a locking mechanism that facilitates the removable connection of each of the water level sensor 90 and the water pump 62 to the sump 70.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper 70B of the sump 70 includes an integral mounting plate 114 made of a single monolithic material. The integrated mounting plate 114 is configured to mount both the water level sensor 90 and the water pump 62 to the ice maker 10 in one or more embodiments. In certain embodiments, one or more locking mechanisms for detachably connecting one or both of the water level sensor 90 and the water pump 62 to the sump 70 are integrally formed with the integrated mounting plate 114. .. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism can be attached to the mounting plate separately and / or the mounting plate can be formed from multiple pieces.

With reference to FIG. 6, in one or more embodiments, the sensor mount 110 includes a sensor opening 120 formed in the mounting plate 114. As will be described in more detail below, the fitting 200 (in a broad sense, a part of the water level sensor) of the water level sensor 90 can pass through the sensor opening 120. Further, the sensor mount 110 is lock-engageable with the fitting 200 to detachably connect the water level sensor 90 to the sump 70. Preferably, the lock engagement between the sensor mount 110 and the fitting 200 connects the sensor 90 to the sump 70 at a detection position where the water level sensor is configured to detect the amount of water in the sump.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor opening 120 forms part of the bayonet connection. The illustrated sensor opening 120 is a generally circular central portion 122 and two elongated bayonets extending outward from the outer periphery of the central portion on the opposite side of the central portion (in a broad sense, spaced apart from the central portion). Includes slot 124. The illustrated bayonet slot 124 is configured to allow a pair of radially opposed bayonet elements of the sensor fitting 200 to pass through the slot, as will be described in more detail below. Also, as described in more detail below, after the fitting 200 has been inserted into the sensor opening 120, it is rotatable with respect to the mounting plate 114, lock-engaged with the mount 110, and the sensor 90 is locked by a bayonet connection. It can be attached to the sump 70. Other sensor openings may have other shapes and arrangements in other embodiments. For example, in one or more embodiments, it is intended that the sensor openings have different numbers and arrangements of bayonet slots.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor mount 110 further includes a pair of detents 126 configured to restrain rotation of the sensor fitting 200 when connected to the sensor mount. In the illustrated embodiment, the detent 126 includes a protrusion provided on the upper surface of the mounting plate 114. In certain embodiments, the detent may include other structural elements such as protrusions along the bottom or edge of the sensor opening, or recesses formed in the mounting plate. In the illustrated embodiment, the detent 126 faces radially the central portion 122 of the sensor opening 120 (in a broad sense, it is spaced apart from the central portion). Further, the illustrated detent 126 is spaced from the bayonet slot 124 with respect to the central portion 122. As described in more detail below, a portion of the sensor fitting 200 engages the detent 126 as the fitting passes through the sensor opening 120 and rotates in the lock rotation direction LD towards the lock position. It is configured as follows.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 6, the illustrated sensor mount 110 is spaced about the outer circumference of the central portion 122 of the opening 120 at least one rotation stop, eg, on the opposite side of each one of the bayonet slots 124. It further includes a pair of arranged rotation stops 128, 130. In one or more embodiments, the sensor mount 110 includes a pair of stops 128, 130 on opposite sides of each bayonet slot 124, respectively. (In FIG. 6, only one pair of fasteners is shown due to the orientation of the drawing.) For each bayonet slot 124, the stop 128 is an over-rotation stop and the stop 130 is a reverse rotation stop. be. The over-rotation stop 128 includes a protrusion formed on the lower surface of the mounting plate 114 adjacent to the outer periphery of the central portion 122 at a position spaced from each bayonet slot 124 in the lock rotation direction LD. The reverse rotation stop 130 also includes a protrusion formed on the bottom surface of the mounting plate adjacent to the outer periphery of the central portion 122. The reverse rotation stop 130 is arranged in the reverse rotation direction CD opposite to the lock rotation direction LD, immediately next to each bayonet slot 124. As will be described in more detail below, the reverse rotation stop 130 is configured to suppress the rotation of the fitting 200 in the reverse rotation direction CD after being inserted into the sensor opening 120, and is configured to suppress the rotation of the fitting 200 in the reverse rotation direction CD. Is configured to suppress the rotation of the sensor fitting in the lock rotation direction LD beyond the lock position.

Referring to FIG. 7, in one or more embodiments, the pump mount 112 includes a pump opening 140 formed in the mounting plate 114. As described in more detail below, a portion of the water pump 62 can pass through the pump opening 140 and the pump mount 114 can lock engage with the pump and sump at least one side of the pump. Removably connect to 70. Preferably, the lock engagement between the pump mount 112 and the water pump 62 pumps the pump in an operating position configured such that the pump pumps water in the sump tank 70A of the sump through the water line 63. Connect to 70 (see FIG. 5).

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump opening 140 includes a generally circular hole that penetrates the mounting plate 114. The illustrated pump mount 112 includes a raised mounting collar 142 extending around the pump opening 140. A pair of arcuate centering rails 144 are formed along the outer circumference of the collar on the opposite side of the collar 142 (in a broad sense, at positions spaced apart from the collar 142). The rail 144 is configured to place a strain on a portion of the water pump 62 supported by the mounting collar, thereby constraining the water pump to rotate approximately around the center of the pump opening 140.

The illustrated pump mount 112 further includes a bayonet connection area 146 along a portion of the mounting collar 142 located on the side of the pump mount relatively inside the cabinet 29 when using the sump assembly 60. In other words, the bayonet connection area 146 is located on the side of the pump mount 112, which is relatively far from the pump access opening exposed by the removal of the access panel 29A (FIG. 2). The pump itself is located between the pump access opening and the bayonet contiguous zone 146 when in use. As described in more detail below, the bayonet connection area 146 is configured to detachably connect the remote side of the pump 62 to the sump 70 without the use of separate fasteners or tools.

The bayonet connection area 146 includes a pad 148 that projects radially from the mounting collar 142 and a receiver 150 that extends upward at one end of the pad. In one or more embodiments, the bayonet connection region 146 is configured such that a gap 151 is defined between the adjacent rail 144 and the receiver 150 along the pad 148. The illustrated receiver 150 includes a wall portion 152 extending upward from the pad 149 and an upper portion 154 supported by the wall portion at intervals perpendicular to the pad. The bayonet slot 156 is defined between the top 154 of the receiver 150 and a portion of the mounting plate 114, such as the pad 148. The bayonet receiver defining the bayonet slot may have other configurations in one or more embodiments. As described in more detail below, the bayonet element of the water pump 62 is placed on the pad 148 in the gap 151 and then rotated into the bayonet slot 156 to sump 70 on one side of the pump by bayonet connection. It is configured to be detachably connected to.

The illustrated pump mount 112 further includes a threaded connection area 160 along a portion of the mounting collar located adjacent to the access panel 29A (FIG. 2) and the pump access opening when using the sump assembly 60. For example, the screw connection area 160 is located closer to the pump access opening than the bayonet connection area 146. In one or more embodiments, the screw connection region 160 is located within the ice maker 10 between the pump access opening and the pump 62. As described in more detail below, the threaded connection area 160 is on the opposite side of the bayonet connection area 146 using one or more threads, or other threaded or mechanical fasteners. The side of the pump 62 is configured to be fixed to the sump 60. In an exemplary embodiment, each side of the pump 62 may be secured to the screw connection region 160 with a single screw (not shown).

The screw connection area 160 comprises pads 162 that project radially from the mounting collar 142 opposite the bayonet connection area 146 (in a broad sense, the screw connection area is separated from the bayonet connection area with respect to the pump opening. ). The stop 164 extends upward from the pad 162 along one end thereof. The illustrated screw connection region 146 includes a gap 166 extending along the pad 148 between the adjacent rail 144 and the stop 164. As described in more detail below, in use, the threaded element of the water pump 62 is placed on the pad 148 in the gap 166 when the bayonet element of the pump is received in the gap 151 of the bayonet connection area 146. Is configured to. When the pump is rotated so that the bayonet element is received by the bayonet slot 156, the screw receiving element moves toward the stop 164. In the screw connection area 160, a single screw (not shown) secures the thread receiving element of the pump 62 to the screw connection area and the side of the pump located near the pump access opening to the sump 70. Includes a screw hole 168 that can be.

In an exemplary embodiment, the water level sensor 90 includes a remote air pressure sensor, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8-9. However, it is clear that any type of water level sensor, including but not limited to float sensors, acoustic sensors, or electrical continuity sensors, can be used in the ice machine 10 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. .. The water level sensor 90 includes a fitting 200 configured to lock-engage the sensor mount 110 to connect the sensor to the sump 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting 200 also functions as an air fitting that fluidly connects the pneumatic tube 202 to the bottom of the sump 70. The pneumatic tube 202 is configured to provide fluid communication between the fitting 200 and the pneumatic sensor 204 (FIG. 1) used to detect water pressure in the vicinity of the bottom of the sump 70. The water pressure proximal to the bottom 72 of the sump 70 is related to the water level of the sump 70. Therefore, the output from the air pressure sensor 204 can be used by the processor 82 to determine the water level in the sump 70. Additional details of exemplary embodiments of water level sensors, including remote air pressure sensors, are set forth in US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0054043, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the fitting 200 is a sump tank of the sump 70 from a proximal end portion defining a nipple 212 (in a broader sense, a coupler) for fluidly coupling the fitting to the pneumatic tube 202. Includes a shaft 210 extending along the shaft axis SA to a distal end portion defining a base 214 configured to engage the bottom wall of 70A. One or more openings 216 are formed on the outer circumference of the base portion 214. The opening 216 provides fluid communication between the bottom of the sump 70 and the chamber in the fitting 200. When the water level in the sump 70 rises, the pressure of water in the vicinity of the bottom 72 of the sump 70 is transmitted to the fitting 200 through the opening 216 and in turn to the air pressure sensor 204 via the pneumatic tube 202. In this way, the controller 80 can determine the water level in the sump 70. Further, as the water level in the sump 70 drops, so does the pressure in the chamber 92. This pressure drop is pneumatically transmitted to the air pressure sensor 204 via the tube 202. The controller 80 can thus determine the water level in the sump.

The fitting 200 of the water level sensor 90 includes a mechanism that lock-engages the sensor mount 110 to mechanically connect the sensor to the sump 70. The illustrated fitting 200 functions as both an air fitting and a mechanical connector for the sensor 90, but in one or more embodiments, the fitting functions only as a mechanical connector, not also as an air fitting. It is clear to get. For example, the locking mechanism of the fitting 200 can be used with the fitting of other types of sensors (eg, other types of water level sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) to make the ice machine in the operating position for detection of the sensors. It is conceivable that it can be mechanically connected to.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, in one or more embodiments, at least one bayonet arm 220 is spaced between the nipple 212 and the base 214 with respect to the shaft axis SA. It extends radially outward from the shaft 210. Preferably, each bayonet arm 220 protrudes in the radial direction of the shaft shaft SA beyond the outermost peripheral portion (for example, the base portion 214) in the radial direction of the shaft 210. In the illustrated embodiment, each bayonet arm 220 comprises a generally flat tab extending in a plane oriented in the vertical and radial directions. The bayonet arm may have other configurations in one or more embodiments. The outer end portion of each bayonet arm 220 is sized and arranged to allow the fitting 200 to pass through the corresponding one of the bayonet slots 124 when inserted into the sensor opening 120 of the sensor mount 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting 200 includes two bayonet arms 220 located radially opposed to the shaft axis SA (in a broad sense, angularly spaced). In one or more embodiments, the fitting may have other numbers and arrangements of bayonet arms.

The illustrated fitting 200 further includes a flange 222 extending radially outward from the shaft 210 at a position close to the bayonet arm 220 along the shaft axis SA. The gap 224 (FIG. 9) extends along the axis SA between at least the outer end portion of each bayonet arm 220 and the portion lying on the flange. As shown in FIG. 8, the illustrated flange 222 is spaced radially at a position angularly offset from the bayonet arm 220 with respect to the shaft shaft so as to protrude in the radial direction of the shaft shaft SA (in a broad sense, Includes extension portions 226 (angled). In the illustrated embodiment, each extension portion 226 is configured to accept the respective detent 126 when the fitting 200 is lock-engaged to the sensor mount 110 to connect the water level sensor 90 to the sump 70. The recess 228 is defined. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 228 is angularly offset from the bayonet arm 220 about the shaft axis SA.

Referring to FIGS. 10-10, the fitting 200 detachably connects the water level sensor 90 to the ice maker 10 at a detection position where the water level sensor is configured to detect the amount of water in the reservoir. It is configured to lock engage with the sensor mount 110. In one or more embodiments, the fitting 200 is configured to lock-engage with the sensor mount by a bayonet connection. In certain embodiments, the lock engagement between the fitting 200 and the sensor mount 110 is configured to attach the fitting to the ice machine 10 at the detection position without the use of additional fasteners.

To attach the fitting 200 to the sensor mount, the base 214 is initially inserted into the central portion 122 of the sensor opening 120. As shown in FIG. 10, the fitting 200 is rotated to a first rotation position about a shaft axis in which the bayonet arm 220 is aligned with the bayonet slot 124 of the sensor opening 100. The fitting 200 is further inserted such that the bayonet arm 220 passes through the slot 124 and the flange 222 engages the top of the mounting plate 114, as shown in FIG. At this position, the gap 224 overlaps the mounting plate 114 along the shaft shaft SA. While the fitting 200 is in the first rotational position, the recess 228 is angularly offset from the detent 126 to the counter-rotational CD about the shaft axis SA. Further, the reverse rotation stop 130 completely opposite to the bayonet arm 220 suppresses the rotation of the fitting 200 in the reverse rotation direction CD.

After moving the fitting 200 to the position shown in FIG. 11, the fitting is rotated about the shaft axis SA in the lock rotation direction LD and moved to the second rotation position shown in FIG. Establish a bayonet connection between. When the fitting rotates in the lock rotation direction LD, the extension 226 rides on the detent 126 until the detent snaps into the recess 228, as shown in FIG. In this way, the detent 126 holds the flange 222 and prevents the fitting 200 from rotating away from the second rotation position. Further, the over-rotation stop 128 suppresses the fitting 200 from rotating in the lock rotation direction LD beyond the second rotation position against the bayonet arm 220. (The resistance provided by the over-rotation stop 128 instructs the user to rotate the fitting 200 in the reverse rotation direction CD when the fitting is removed from the mount 110 after mounting). As shown in FIG. 13, after rotating to the second rotation position, a portion of the mounting plate 114 is captured by the gap 224 between the bayonet arm 220 and the flange 222. This provides a bayonet connection in which the fitting 200 is prevented from being pulled out of the sensor opening 120 unless it is first rotated in the reverse rotation direction CD and returned to the first rotation position.

In the illustrated embodiment with reference to FIG. 5, when a bayonet connection occurs between the fitting 200 and the sensor mount 110, the base 214 engages the bottom wall of the sump tank 70A of the sump so that the bottom of the sump Pressure is transmitted to the air pressure sensor 204 via the opening 216 and the air chamber inside the fitting 200 and further via the pneumatic tube 202. Therefore, the fitting 200 can operably connect the water level sensor 90 to the sump 70 without using a stopper or a tool. Further, the fitting 200 can be removed from the sensor mount 110 without using a tool by simply rotating the fitting in the reverse rotation direction CD until the bayonet arm 220 is aligned with the bayonet slot 124. After that, the fitting 200 can be pulled out from the sensor opening 120.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 5, the illustrated pump 62 includes a pump motor 250 and a pump intake assembly 252. The pump inlet assembly is configured to be fluidly coupled to the water line 63, and the pump motor 250 is configured to pump water from the sump 70 through the pump intake assembly and the water line. One or more components of the pump intake assembly 252 may be attached to the pump motor 250 so that the pump 62 can be attached to and removed from the sump assembly 60 as a unit.

With reference to FIG. 14, the pump 62 further includes a mounting flange 254. The mounting flange 254 is generally circular and is located along the height of the pump between the top of the pump motor 250 and the bottom of the pump intake assembly 252. The circular portion of the mounting flange 254 is accommodated between the rails 144 of the pump mount 112 and is configured to slidably engage the collar 142. The rail 144 constrains the flange 254 to rotate about the rotation axis RA with respect to the mounting plate 114. The bayonet arm 256 protrudes radially from the flange 254. The bayonet arm 256 is configured to be received in the bayonet connection area 146 of the pump mount 112 to form a bayonet connection between one side of the pump 62 and the sump 70. The screw arm 258 projects radially from the flange 254 at a position that is radially opposed to the bayonet arm 256 (in a broad sense, angularly spaced). The threaded arm 258 is configured to be accommodated in the threaded connection area 160 of the pump mount 112 to form a threaded connection between the sump 70 and the side surface of the pump opposite the bayonet arm 256. In one or more embodiments, the bayonet arm 256 and the threaded arm 258 are substantially identical so that the flange 254 can also be attached to the pump mount 112 in the opposite orientation.

To attach the pump 62 to the pump mount 112, first the pump access panel 29A is removed from the cabinet 29 (FIG. 2) to expose the pump access opening. The pump is inserted from the pump access opening towards the pump mount 110. Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the pump intake assembly 252 is inserted through the pump opening 140, and the pump is placed in the first rotation position about the rotation axis RA as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Is rotated to. In the first rotation position, the bayonet arm 256 overlaps the gap 151 in the bayonet connection region 146 and the screw arm 258 overlaps the gap 166 in the screw connection region 160. Thus, the mounting flange 254 may be located on the collar 142 between the rails 144, and the arms 256, 258 may be received on the pads 148, 162 within the gaps 151, 166, respectively. Next, the pump 62 is rotated as a unit around the rotation axis RA to the second rotation position shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The flange 154 slides along the collar 142 and the rail 144 holds the pump 62 aligned with the pump opening 140 against the end of the flange.

When the pump 62 rotates to the second rotation position, the bayonet arm 256 slides into the bayonet slot 156 to establish a bayonet connection between the pump mount 112 and the pump on the side away from the pump access opening. No tools or fasteners are needed to connect the remote side of the pump 62 to the pump mount 112. When the pump rotates to the second rotation position, the screw arm slides along the pad 162 in the screw connection area until it lies over the screw hole 168. A single screw (not shown) is screwed into the screw hole 168 via the screw arm 258 to secure the proximal side of the pump 62 to the pump mount 112. The screw connection area 160 is easily accessible through the pump access opening in the cabinet 29, allowing the technician to install and remove a single screw relatively easily. Align the bayonet connection with the screw connection and securely attach the pump 62 to the sump 70. The connection holds the pump 62 in place as the pump 62 pumps water into the water supply system of the ice machine 10.

As can be seen, the illustrated ice maker 10 facilitates the removable connection of the water pump and the water level sensor on the sump 70 with minimal use of tools and fasteners. Includes 112. Mounts 110, 112 are believed to facilitate the process of removing and reattaching the sensor fitting 200 and pump 62 when needed for repair or maintenance.

With reference to FIGS. 18-20A, in one or more embodiments, the ice machine 10 includes a sump assembly support 310 configured to support the sump assembly 60 inside the ice machine 10. The present inventors recognize that in an ice machine control method using the water level as a control input, an accurate arrangement of the water level sensor in the sump is required. If the position of the water level sensor deviates from the specified position even by a small amount (for example, less than a millimeter), the control method may become inoperable. We further offset the water level sensor to the extent that it is expected to adversely affect water level-based control due to the accumulation of dimensional tolerances of parts of conventional assemblies for mounting components of the ice machine's water supply system. I realized that I could do it. As described below, the illustrated sump assembly support 310 is precisely positioned with respect to the sump tank when the sensor fitting 200 and pump 62 are installed on mounts 110, 112. As such, it includes a portion that defines an integral connector that positions the mounting plate 114 with respect to the sump tank 70A.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sump assembly support 310 includes a base 312 and a vertical support wall 314. The illustrated vertical support wall 314 includes a first side wall portion 316, a second side wall portion 318, and a rear wall portion 320 extending laterally between the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 20A, each side wall portion 316, 318 has at least one integrated upper connector 322 (in a broad sense, a first connector) configured to connect the mounting plate 114 to the support 310. ) And at least one integrated lower connector 324 configured to connect the sump tank 70A to the support.

At least one wall portion 316, 318 of the support 310 defining both the upper connector 322 and the lower connector 324 is formed from a single monolithic material. For example, in one or more embodiments, the entire vertical support wall 314 is formed from a single monolithic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire support 310, including the base 312 and the vertical support wall 314, is formed from a single piece of monolithic material. In one or more embodiments, the support 310 is a single molded article. In the illustrated embodiment, the monolithic support 310 is formed by compression molding.

In the illustrated embodiment, each upper connector 322 comprises a protrusion defining a tapered threaded hole 326, and each lower connector 324 comprises a protrusion defining a mounting hole 328. With reference to FIG. 7, each end of the mounting plate 114 defines a pair of screw holes 330 configured to align with the top screw holes 326. A screw (in a broad sense, a mechanical stopper; not shown) passes through the screw hole 326 and is screwed into the screw hole 330 to snap the mounting plate 114 in place along the height of the support 310. Accurately connect to support 310. In one or more embodiments, countersunk screws (eg, screws with tapered heads) are used to connect the mounting plate 114 to the support 310. The countersunk screws are naturally centered in the tapered screw holes 326.

As shown in FIG. 21, in one or more embodiments, each end of the sump tank 70A includes a pair of protrusions 332 at spaced positions. In the illustrated embodiment, each protrusion 332 is configured to be received by each one of the mounting holes 328 of the respective side wall portions 316 and 318 (in a broad sense, each protrusion 332 is a connector thereof. It is configured to align with 324). The protrusion 332 is received by the mounting hole 328 to accurately arrange the sump tank 70A at a predetermined position along the height direction of the support 310. Further, a screw is inserted into each protrusion 332 through the mounting hole 328 to fix the sump tank 70A to the support 310 at a predetermined position.

The integrated connector 322 thus ensures that the mounting plate 114 is attached to the support 310 at a predetermined position, and the integrated connector 324 allows the sump tank 70A to be attached to the support at a predetermined position. To be sure. Thereby, the support 310 positions the mounting plate 114 with respect to the sump tank 70A so that the water level sensor 90 can accurately detect the water level in the sump 70 when the fitting 210 is mounted on the sensor mount 110. Make sure it is in the correct position. Similarly, the support 310 relative to the sump tank 70A so that when the pump is attached to the pump mount 112, the pump 62 is accurately positioned to pump water from the sump 70 through the ice maker 10. Positions the mounting plate 114.

When introducing the elements of the invention or preferred embodiments thereof (s), each element is intended to mean the presence of one or more. The terms "consisting of," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those described.

In view of the above, it will be clear that some objects of the present invention will be achieved and other favorable results will be obtained.

All matters contained in the above description should be construed as exemplary and limited, as various modifications may be made in the above products and methods without departing from the scope of the present invention. It doesn't mean anything.

Claims (21)

An ice maker for forming ice
The ice machine
A refrigeration system including an ice forming device and
Includes a water supply system for supplying water to the ice forming apparatus.
The water supply system
With a water reservoir configured to hold the water formed on the ice,
A passage that provides fluid communication between the water reservoir and the ice forming apparatus, and
Includes a water level sensor for detecting the amount of water in the reservoir,
The water level sensor includes a fitting
The ice machine also
To detect the amount of water in the reservoir, the fitting comprises a sensor mount for attaching the fitting of the water level sensor to the ice machine at a detection position where the water level sensor is connected to the reservoir.
The sensor mount is configured to lock engage the fitting in order to detachably attach the fitting to a detection position.
Ice machine. The lock engagement between the sensor mount and the fitting is configured to detachably attach the fitting to the ice machine without the use of additional fasteners.
The ice maker according to claim 1. The fitting is locked engaged to the sensor mount by a bayonet connection.
The ice maker according to claim 1. The sensor mount includes a mounting plate that defines the sensor opening.
The fitting is configured to be received at the sensor opening.
The ice maker according to claim 1. The fitting is
A shaft that extends along the shaft axis from the proximal end to the distal end,
A bayonet arm extending radially outward from the shaft,
Includes a flange extending radially outward from the shaft at a position close to the bayonet arm along the shaft axis.
A gap extends along the shaft axis between the bayonet arm and the flange.
The ice maker according to claim 4. When the fitting is in the first rotational position about the shaft axis
By moving along the shaft axis until the flange engages the mounting plate, the sensor opening is configured so that the fitting can pass through the opening.
The ice maker according to claim 5. When the flange engages the mounting plate, the fitting is captured from the first rotational position by a second portion of the mounting plate that is captured in the gap between the flange and the bayonet arm. It can rotate in the lock rotation direction around the shaft axis up to the rotation position.
The ice maker according to claim 6. The mounting plate comprises a detent configured to engage the flange to hold the fitting in the second rotational position when the fitting is in the second rotational position.
The ice maker according to claim 7. The flange comprises a recess configured to receive the detent when the flange is in the second rotation position.
The recess is angularly offset from the bayonet arm about the shaft axis.
The ice maker according to claim 8. The mounting plate includes a reverse rotation stop configured to prevent the fitting from rotating from the first rotation position in a reverse rotation direction away from the second rotation position about the shaft axis.
The ice maker according to claim 7. The mounting plate comprises an over-rotation stop configured to prevent the fitting from rotating about the shaft axis from the first rotation position beyond the second rotation position.
The ice maker according to claim 7. An ice maker for forming ice
The ice machine
A refrigeration system including an ice forming device and
Including a water supply system for supplying water to the ice forming apparatus.
The water supply system
With a water reservoir configured to hold the water formed on the ice,
A passage that provides fluid communication between the water reservoir and the ice forming apparatus, and
Includes a water pump configured to deliver water from the water reservoir to the ice forming apparatus via the passage.
The ice machine also
Includes a pump mount that attaches the water pump to the ice machine to pump water from the water reservoir through the passage.
The water pump was configured to be connected to the pump mount by a bayonet connection.
Ice machine. The water pump was further configured to be screwed to the pump.
The ice maker according to claim 12. A housing with a pump access opening is further included to allow access to the water pump within the housing.
The ice maker according to claim 13. The pump mount is configured such that a bayonet connection area is configured such that the water pump is then connected to the pump mount by the bayonet connection, and the water pump is then connected to the pump mount by the screw. Has a screw connection area,
The screw connection area is closer to the pump access opening than the bayonet connection area.
The ice maker according to claim 14. The water pump includes a mounting flange that includes a bayonet arm.
The ice maker according to claim 12. The pump mount includes a mounting plate, a receiver, and a bayonet slot between the receiver and the mounting plate.
The ice maker according to claim 16. Because the mounting flange rotates about an axis from a first rotation position where the bayonet arm is spaced from the bayonet slot to a second rotation position where the bayonet arm is received by the bayonet slot. Is configured to slidably engage with the mounting plate.
The ice maker according to claim 17. The mounting flange further includes a threaded arm separated from the bayonet arm.
The ice maker according to claim 16. An ice maker for forming ice
The ice machine
A refrigeration system including an ice forming device and
Including a water supply system for supplying water to the ice forming apparatus.
The water supply system
With a water reservoir configured to hold the water formed on the ice,
A passage that provides fluid communication between the water reservoir and the ice forming apparatus, and
A water pump configured to deliver water from the water reservoir through the passage to the ice forming apparatus.
Includes a water level sensor for detecting the amount of water in the water reservoir.
The water reservoir comprises a bottom and an top extending across at least a portion of the bottom.
The upper part of the water reservoir has a sensor mount for attaching at least a part of the water level sensor to the water reservoir to detect the amount of water in the water reservoir, and water from the water reservoir through the passage. It defines a pump mount for attaching at least a portion of the water pump to the water reservoir for pumping.
Ice machine. An ice maker for forming ice
The ice machine
A refrigeration system including an ice forming device and
Includes a water supply system for supplying water to the ice forming apparatus.
The water supply system
With a water reservoir configured to hold the water formed on the ice,
A passage that provides fluid communication between the water reservoir and the ice forming apparatus, and
A water pump configured to deliver water from the water reservoir to the ice forming apparatus via the passage.
Includes a water level sensor, which detects the amount of water in the reservoir,
The ice machine also
A mounting plate connected to at least one of the water level sensor and the water pump,
Includes a support including at least one vertically extending support wall made of a single monolithic material.
The vertically extending support wall includes an integrally formed first and second connector.
The first connector is configured to mount the mounting plate to the support, the second connector is configured to mount the pump to the support, and (a) is connected to the mounting plate. The water level sensor is configured to detect the amount of water in the reservoir, and (b) the water pump connected to the mounting plate pumps water from the water reservoir through the passage. The support positions the mounting plate with respect to the pump so that it is configured in.
Ice machine.

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